India and New Zealand are battling in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final, but the leading wicket-taker of the tournament Matt Henry missed out on the Final due to injury, which brought tears to his eyes after learning his fitness test failure.  

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Matt Henry picked up 10 wickets

The 33-year-old New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry is the leading wicket-taker in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, at least before the Final of the tournament, as the right-arm pacer picked up 10 wickets in four games. Henry took wickets in all matches of the tournament, while he was the star for the Blackcaps during the India vs New Zealand Group A match of the tournament. Dubai International Cricket Stadium hosted that match where Henry claimed a fifer to restrict India to 249 runs. Although New Zealand lost that match by 44 runs, Henry's performance was praised by experts. 

Henry took two wickets against Pakistan and one wicket against Bangladesh in the other matches of the group stage. In the high-scoring Semi-final against South Africa, Henry bagged two wickets, as he had the bowling figures of 7-0-43-2 on the tough bowling pitch. However, Henry sustained a shoulder injury during the Semi-final of the tournament while he was catching to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen. While he was hugely doubtful for the Final, it was confirmed on Sunday just before the toss as he failed the fitness test. Despite trying his best, Henry didn't have the luck to play in the Final.  

See Also: Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal Spotted with Mystery Women During IND vs NZ Match

Matt Henry was crying

After knowing that miss the Final, Henry was seen crying. Surely, it was heartbreaking for anyone, while he was one of the most important bowlers for the Blackcaps. Meanwhile, it could be some relief for India.

BREAKING: Matt Henry is OUT of the ICC Champions Trophy final with a shoulder injury 🚨 pic.twitter.com/qmBvTmVsiD

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) March 9, 2025

New Zealand has been dealt a huge blow before the ICC Champions Trophy final against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Their main fast bowler, Matt Henry, has been sidelined with a shoulder injury he sustained during the semifinal against South Africa.

Henry was injured while attempting a catch to get Heinrich Klaasen out in South Africa's pursuit of 363 in Lahore. He landed awkwardly and had to retire from the field but came back to bowl two additional overs. But he won't be fit for the last match. Nathan Smith has been appointed as his replacement.

MATT HENRY RULED OUT OF THE CHAMPIONS TROPHY FINAL 📢 pic.twitter.com/z73e3Ts6OG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 9, 2025

Henry has been New Zealand's top bowler in the tournament, topping the wicket table with 10 wickets from four games at a rate of 16.70. He also bowled well against India in the group stage, taking five wickets for 42 runs, though New Zealand lost that game.

ALSO SEE: Rags to Riches: IPL Stars Who Changed Their Fate

With Henry gone, New Zealand's bowling unit will have to rise to the occasion against India's formidable batting order. His absence is a huge boon for India, as he was one of the Kiwis' main bowlers.

Cricket enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the final, which is going to be an exciting encounter. Watch this space for live updates on the IND vs. NZ match.

As the excitement mounts for the much-hyped Champions Trophy final between New Zealand and India, there has been concern about the availability of New Zealand star pacer Matt Henry. According to ESPNcricinfo reports, Henry's availability for the final is doubtful, which raises alarm for the Black Caps on the eve of a key showdown.

Why Matt Henry Is Important to New Zealand

Henry has been a key figure in New Zealand's march to the final, constantly delivering under the ball in situations of high pressure. His potential to swing both ways and vex top-order batsmen makes him a vital addition, particularly against a formidable Indian batting unit consisting of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill.

If Henry is excluded, New Zealand's bowling line-up might miss a crucial weapon, and the team management will have to rethink their plans. His run-stopping ability and wicket-taking skills during the powerplay and middle overs have been critical for New Zealand in big ICC events.

Also See : Few Of The Indian Superstars May Lose Their A+ Central Contracts

New Zealand's Likely Substitutes for Henry

New Zealand has a couple of alternatives to substitute Henry if he misses the final:

• Kyle Jamieson – Offers height and bounce but has struggled with consistency.
• Lockie Ferguson – Provides express pace but can be costly.
• Additional spinner – Depending on the conditions of the pitch, another option for a spinner may be an option.

None of these, however, offer the same control and dependability that Henry offers, so his possible absence remains a major concern.

Why India Benefits If Henry Misses Out:

• India's openers (Rohit Sharma & Shubman Gill) have trouble with early swing.
• Middle-order solidity (Shreyas Iyer & KL Rahul) can overwhelm an inexperienced bowling lineup.
• Power-hitters (Hardik Pandya & Ravindra Jadeja) can take advantage of the lack of a quality third pacer.

Trent Boult and Tim Southee are still with New Zealand, but their bowling might become flat if Henry leaves.

Waiting for Official Confirmation

However, New Zealand's camp has not yet confirmed Henry's status.  Both sides' pre-match strategy will be impacted by the choice.

The 2025 Champions Trophy Final looks to be a thrilling contest. However, the potential participation of Matt Henry could throw a wrench in the works. If he opts not to play, New Zealand will have to change their bowling strategies, which puts India in a favorable position.

Also See : Few Of The Indian Superstars May Lose Their A+ Central Contracts

During the third and final ODI match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, New Zealand paceman Matt Henry pulls off a near-impossible catch at the long-off boundary to dismiss Charith Asalanka of Sri Lanka for a five-ball duck. While doing so, he also managed to recreate the stunning catch Suryakumar Yadav took to deliver India their second T20 World Cup title. 

See also:

Matt Henry's brilliance on the field lifts the Black Caps up

The incident unfolded during the 30th over of the Lankan innings. Charith Asalanka was facing up to Doug Bracewell from round the wicket. While stilling batting on 0, Asalanka made up his mind to take the aggressive route. But as fate would have it, Asalanka did not succeed in his mission and subsequently holed out to Henry at long-on.

During the second ball of the 30th over, Asalanka used his feet to charge down the wicket. For a moment, it looked like he hit it cleanly. The ball was destined to go over the ropes but Henry had other ideas. Henry covered good ground to his right and completed the catch before releasing it up in the air. He briefly went over the ropes while the ball was airborne but got himself back on the field of play just in the nick of time to complete a brilliant catch thus recreating the Suryakumar-esque catch from the the T20 WC Final.

See the video:

🗣️"Matt Henry's taken a ripper!"

Outstanding work on the boundary from the Canterbury quick and the third Sri Lanka wicket falls LIVE and free in NZ on TVNZ DUKE and TVNZ+. #NZvSL #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/7elOufEY6H

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) January 11, 2025

Current state of the match

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Janith Liyanage notched up well-compiled fifties to drive Sri Lanka to a respectable total of 290. In response, more than half of New Zealand's batting order was dismantled as the hosts found themselves reeling at 48-6 by the end of the 13th over. At the time of writing, New Zealand had only four wickets in hand and required 219 runs to chase in the remaining 33 overs.

The time has finally come as the 36-year-old legendary New Zealand pacer Tim Southee is playing his last Test as the Hamilton Test between New Zealand and England just started on Saturday (December 14).

Before his last Test, Southee picked up 389 wickets in 106 Tests. Southee was present on his last Test with his daughter. Meanwhile, on his last Test match, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) published a video where his national teammates were talking about the importance and influence of the 6ft 4in tall right-arm medium fast bowler. 

Kane Williamson

The former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson isn’t only his teammate in senior international cricket, but they had great experiences together in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2008 in Malaysia, where Williamson led the New Zealand youths and Southee was the second leading wicket-taker in that tournament (17 wickets). While they lost the semi-final, the Virat Kohli-led Indian team won that tournament.

Southee and Williamson have played together in 260 international matches, including 88 Tests. 

Williamson said, “He was my right-hand man really, and someone I could always rely on. Just such a solid sort of loyal teammate that would always walk towards the challenge

“He’s been just an absolute stalwart, you know, in our team. Such a resilient player, really, that’s paved the path for people to come. You can sit here talking about wickets and sixes, maybe, and highlights on the field. But, you know, for me, he’s an amazing sort of representation of what’s important to play for New Zealand, to be a Black Cap and that’ll be something that I’ll always treasure.” 

See Also: After Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir announces his second retirement from international cricket

Matt Henry

Southee has played 53 international matches with the fast bowler Matt Henry, including 23 Tests. 

Henry said, “To be able to play for New Zealand for over 100 Tests, it shows resilience and what playing for New Zealand means.”

“I think he’ll be massively missed. He’s obviously a huge part of our group and a huge backbone of this fast bowling group for 17 years. I think it is. We’ve been through some amazing games together and there’s so many fond memories to reflect on.”

Grant Elliott

Grant Elliott and Southee played 46 international matches, including two Tests. 

Grant Elliott said, “I mean, he was an exceptional cricketer. There’s no doubt about it. First New Zealander and only New Zealander takes 700 wickets in all three formats. He led by action, and I think that’s the only way he can lead.

“Champion person, champion player, just very lucky to have played with not only a great player, but an amazing person.” 

Shane Bond

Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond was senior to Southee. Although they never played together in Test cricket, they played 14 white-ball international matches. Also, Bond was later the bowling coach of the national team. 

Bond said, “You know, he turns up every day, always prepared, never complaints, just gets of with stuff. Loved to talk about cricket, wanted to get better.”

“Yeah, look he deserves all the recognition. I think it’s nice in this series that people can take the opportunity to recognise what he’s done for New Zealand cricket."

The feelings of his teammates are well enough to describe Southee's importance in the national team. 

“He’s an amazing representation of what’s important to play for New Zealand.”

As Tim Southee embarks on his 107th and final Test match, hear from his current and former teammates on the legacy that he will leave behind. #NZvENG #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/WtjXoegE3w

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 13, 2024